Just the beginning for Joao Fonseca?: “I want to be No. 1 in the world,” he said after becoming champion in Jeddah | ATP Tour

Next Gen ATP Finals

Just the beginning for Fonseca?: “I want to be No. 1 in the world”

The Brazilian becomes the second youngest Next Gen champion in the history of the tournament

December 22, 2024

Joao Fonseca joined illustrious company by triumphing at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF on Sunday. The Brazilian joined Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as the only 18-year-olds to have won the tournament, and was beaming after his four-set final victory against Learner Tien. Fonseca was proud of his unbeaten run in Jeddah, but insisted it was just the beginning.

“If you told Joao at the beginning of the year that he had done everything he has done this year, he would think it was incredible,” Fonseca declared. “It’s incredible how I have improved physically and mentally. I have been very strong mentally, winning matches against players from the Top 50, the Top 20. I am proud of myself, but of course I want more. My dream is to become No. 1. Of course, now after winning the Next Gen, I want to enjoy this week and relax and celebrate with my family. I want to enjoy the moment and I am very happy and grateful for this year.”

Fonseca started the season outside the Top 700 of the PIF ATP Rankings, but will finish 2024 at No. 145, having demonstrated his big-game mentality at home in Rio de Janeiro in February when he advanced to the quarterfinals at the event. ATP 500. His victory in the first round that week against Arthur Fils was his first victory on the circuit.

Fonseca’s winning mentality continued throughout the week in Jeddah, where he beat top-seeded Fils and third-seeded Jakub Mensik in five sets in the Blue Group. In the final against Tien, he saved a decisive set point to avoid a two-set deficit.

“I talk to my coach that I like to play big games in difficult circumstances,” Fonseca said. “I like to play against the big guys. I like when I have a difficult match in a big stadium. I love the pressure. I belong to the tennis scene where you have to be brave, where you have to go for the shot. I think I have improved a lot “.

Since Sinner (2019) and Alcaraz won the event, the Italian and Spaniard have gone on to win multiple majors and rise to World No. 1. Fonseca believes he can do the same.

“It’s a good pressure,” said Fonseca, who also won his first ATP Challenger Tour title in 2024 (Lexington). “Winning the Next Gen shows that I am on the right path. I hope I can do the same or even better than what they have done, are doing and are going to do. I am looking forward to playing with them and I hope to be able to compete in great Grand Slam matches “It’s where I want to go.”

Fonseca received the support of a lively crowd throughout the week at the King Abdullah Sports City. The 18-year-old loved the turnout all week in Jeddah.

“It was incredible the whole week. Seeing people from other countries cheering you on. People don’t need to cheer me on, but they do,” Fonseca stated. “I’m very happy. I like to entertain. In the important moments when I need the help of the public, I try to entertain. I also liked seeing the Brazilian fans here. There was a group here all week. It was incredible to see them cheering me on and the country.”

Fonseca has grown up watching tennis. The Brazilian attended the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro when he was younger, and often waited courtside to get autographs. Now, Fonseca is the one who signs his name for fans and inspires the next generation.

“Three years ago I was the one asking for autographs and now kids ask me for it, and I have to get used to it,” Fonseca said. “When I walk around Rio, sometimes a kid asks me for an autograph and that’s crazy. It’s really nice that it inspires kids to play tennis.”